Indaba 2016 wins hearts, minds and businesses in SA

My first contact with Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa this time exceeded my expectations as I had joined hundreds of travel writers hosted by the South African Tourism as an accredited media guest at Indaba 2016.

Looking out over its endless horizon coupled with a coastal vibe and sweeping beaches, Durban city was more than prepared to host Africa’s largest annual tourism travel show. The three day event took place from May 7 to 9 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban International Convention Centre).

From the King Shaka International Airport, where I landed with my companions from OR Tambo International Airport to the Maharani tower part of the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani Hotel, the sweeping vistas – was full of red colours of the event. 

Our drive from the airport wasn’t short of excitement. I was intrigued by Amanzimtoti town stretching far into Durban’s surrounding neighbourhood. From our tour guide I learned that Amanzimtoti means – the water is sweet. Shaka, the great Zulu King on a long trek down the coast, it is believed that he found the sweet water where he settled for the night. And so named the rural area now developed into a resort town boasting of beautiful beaches and many water sports activities.

To lick-start the mood for the Indaba trade show, which is rated third globally, preceded by ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) Berlin and WTM (World Travel Market) London, the organisers hosted a welcoming dinner, the evening before the opening day. 

The dinner, which was hosted at the prestigious Moses Mabhida Stadium had a grand choice of flavourful eats. The stadium was one of the stadia used during the world cup in 2010 which was held in South Africa.

In her welcoming speech Ms. Evelyn Mahlaba, South African Tourism, Regional manager for Africa said African countries segment have contributed significantly to the South African national tourism basket, rated as a 4th best producer in revenues. And she said that they will keep the momentum on with varied travel packages with tour operators and travel agents across Africa.

The opening of the Indaba 2016 was addressed by South African tourism minister Derek Hanekom, the Mayor of Durban, Mr James Nxumalo, and the MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu.

Derek Hanekom began his message with an emphasis that South Africa is a safe destination for tourists to visit. And he had a strong message for African country’s tourism stakeholders to engage and consult and promote the continent assertively.

“Africa is a vibrant melting pot for tourism: the diverse cultures, customs and traditions of our people, merged with the endless variety of our landscapes, blended with unique biodiversity, tempered by our historical legacy, and fired by the spirit of freedom and equality”, he stressed.

In the media talk facilitated by the CNN New York based news anchor Richard Quest, African tourism minister acknowledged the need to consult and engage one another to work on most issues that hinder tourism penetration among African countries.

Present were ministers from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Seychelles, Swaziland, Burkina Faso and Ghana. Air travel from one country to another was cited as one of the impending causes in which African countries were failing to reach out to a wide tourist base. “It is not only expensive to fly, but also limited  to towns and cities,” said Derek Hanekom. 

The days of the show rewarded exhibitors, buyers and visitors with sky-full of heart space, and mornings of everyday something new, that quicken the senses with long memories throughout the day. It was a fusion of African originality and creativity complemented by global marketing skills to showcase their attractions and to tell their destination stories.

About 40 Tanzanian tourism stakeholders, including national conservation agencies, Ngorongoro crater and Tanapa led by the Tanzania Tourist Board, participated, according to TTBs MD, Devota Mdachi.

“While we expect a significant growth of International arrivals this year, regional markets remain a potential segment that we are happy with the response of the Indaba trade show”, said Mdachi.

The Tanzania stand was graced with high-profile visits by the South African tourism minister, Derek Hanekom and his deputy Tokozile Xasa, Richard Quest, CNN’s news anchor, among others.

INDABA 2016 hosted nearly 14,000 business meetings, about 1050 exhibitors, 1856 buyers and 724 media. Owned by South African Tourism, INDABA is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and services.

E-mail: [email protected]